Marquis handles decision with class

PHILADELPHIA — Jason Marquis was an all-star. He won 15 games. But there’s a real possibility he might not pitch in the postseason. Manager Jim Tracy passed over Marquis for the Game 3 start, instead going with Jason Hammel. Hammel has been much better over the past two months. Marquis handled the decision with class.

“Obviously, I want the ball. Obviously, I want to pitch,” Marquis told The Denver Post. “But that being said, it’s playoff time and you have to check your ego at the door. I have poured my heart and soul into this team, and I am not going to stop now. It’s about what’s doing best for the team at this point.”

There’s still a chance that Marquis could start Game 4, though the weather could play a factor. It’s supposed to snow in Denver on Saturday, which could push the games back a day. Marquis will work in the bullpen in the meantime.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.